York City's rivals Hereford United and Stevenage Borough both tightened their hold on a Nationwide Conference play-off spot last night.

Second-placed Hereford United won 2-1 at bottom club Southport - a result that will cheer relegation-haunted Scarborough.

The Bulls' victory puts them eight points clear of City with both teams having played 33 games.

Stevenage won 2-0 at Exeter, whose challenge is starting to fade.

Stevenage, like City, have 56 points but have played a game more.

Two teams will be relegated this season with the champions of Conference North and South, plus play-off winners from both those leagues, joining next season's expanded Conference.

Meanwhile, former York City forward Leo Bertos has joined Conference North outfit Worksop Town.

New Zealand international Bertos was released by the Minstermen in January and has also since parted company with North Yorkshire rivals Scarborough.

City are due to play Scarborough in the North Riding Senior Cup semi-final at Kit-Kat Crescent next Monday.

City's reserve game at Doncaster yesterday and Harrogate Town's West Riding County Cup semi-final at Guiseley last night were postponed.

Updated: 10:47 Wednesday, March 15, 2006